Matthew was taking a big risk. But he felt he had to in order to save his nephew. He was in standing in front of the king’s large bedroom doors. He was thinking about how Esther had to come before her king, in order to save her people, even when she knew that the penalty could be death.
Matthew prayed. “Dear Lord, please save me from the wrath of my king, and help Daniel to be safe, wherever he is. Give him faith and courage, dear Lord. And please give me the wisdom and courage to find him. In Jesus’ name, Amen.” He took a deep breath and knocked strongly on the door. He paused and after a few seconds he knocked again, this time he was greeted by a loud and angry shout.
“Who, dares to disturb my sleep?”
“Matthew, Sire.”
“Come in then, and it better be good!”
Matthew took a deep breath let himself into the room. It was rather large compared to most of the bedrooms. On the right wall was a large cherry wood wardrobe; next to it was a matching washstand with a pitcher and bowl. On the far wall stood a stone fireplace with two windows on either side of it. In the center of the floor lay an elaborate oriental rug. And against the wall on the far right stood a (king-size) canopy bed, with a very angry king in it.
“Well don’t just stand there, man! State your business!
Matthew nodded. “Sire, you know my Squire and nephew, Daniel.
The king nodded.
Well, according to my sources, Daniel has been kidnapped.”
The Queen, who had previously been lying down shot up.
“What! Kidnapped! Are you sure? Who told you this?
“Eileen DeBrick, she saw him go out this morning and followed him. She claims that a gang of men captured him, tied him up and dragged him off. And believe me, she is reliable, not the type to lie or joke freely.”
“Yes, she is honest.” The Queen nodded.
“Well then, let’s not waste time if he is indeed kidnapped. Matthew, you have permission to organize a search party, but first I want to speak to that girl.
About a half hour later Eileen was seated on a bench along with her parents outside the throne room.
“Now, Eileen, there is no reason to be nervous. All he wants to know is what exactly happened to Daniel. Just tell him what you told me this morning. I don’t normally like you sneaking out of the castle so early in the morning, but today I am glad that you did. Though, it could have been very dangerous for you, you did the right thing by running,” said her Mother. Eileen simply nodded.
Just then Matthew came out of the throne room. “He will see you now.” He ushered her in. Matthew bowed and stood aside. Eileen kept her head down as she made a low, graceful curtsy. “Your Highnesses,” she said in a soft breathy voice.
“Eileen.”
She slowly raised her head, till she was looking into the eyes of the speaker, King Richard.
“Did you or did you not witness a kidnapping this morning?” asked the King.
“I did.”
“And what did you see?”
Eileen told all that had happened.
He nodded thoughtfully. “I see. Matthew, you may assemble your search party now.”
